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Christopher Columbus; 



or, 



THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 



On ^isforieaf ©ramei m Fiue Qefg. 

(.WITH PROLOGUE ) 

Entered <t.reo)'(Ung to act of Congress, in the year 1891, bij E T. Byington, in the 
office of the Librdrian of Congress, at Washington. 




By Edward Telfair B y i n g t 



O N 



COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. 

K. T. BYIXCJTON & CO., PUBLISHEBg,, STBKEOTYPERS AND ENGRAVERS. 

lOOy BROAp STREET. 



Christopher Columbus; 



or. 



THE DISCOYSRY OF AMERICA. 



Cln Ifisforieaf Drama in Fiue Clets. 

(WITH PROLOGUE ) 



Enteral (tcfording to act of Congretis, in the year 1891, f)>j E T. Bi/iiif/ton, in the 
office of the Litjrarkm of Cong?-ess, nt Waiihmgton. 




H ^• E I) W A R D r E L PAIR B \' I N G T O N 



'AS'^a.VK 



COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. 

E. T. BYIXGTON * CO., PUBLISHERS, STEREOTVPERS AND ENGRAVERS. 

KKm HROAI) STREET. 



X^c^-i^ 



SYNOPSIS. ^ . .-^^'^^ 



PROLOGUE. 

SCENE I— Portugal's refusal to aid Colombo. The king's duplicity. 
SCENE II— Colombo at the Audalusian conveut. 
SCENE III— The garden of roses. Leou and Philip, with songs. 
SCENE IV— "This day shall he appear before the king and queen." 
SCENE V— The appeal to the Spanish S >vereigns. ''Thy proposition will I 
then refer to those most learned in the Spains " 

ACT I. 

SCENE I— At the palace gate. The cavalier's song. Love's ingenuity. 
"Thy reasonmar's good, and I'll witli Colombo sail." 

SCENE II— Colombo's disappointment. The departure for France. Inter 
ested friends. 

SCENE III — The Aihirabra An appeal for Colombo. Queen Isabella finds 
a way to aid. "A queen unjewelled is no less a queen; the wife of Ferdindand 
no homage e'er will lack." The queen's jewels pledged. A rea'^y messenger. 
"Take thou, thyself, command of my best ship— Santa Maria is it called— and 
may the blessed saint whose name in bears protect Ihee in its shelter." 

ACT II. 

SCENE I— The church of St George at Palos— The royal decree. The un- 
willing sailors. 

SCENE II— The port of Palos. Preparations for the voyage. "The arma- 
ment is complete and the squadron sails at the dawn of the morrow." Tab- 
lean— "The Departure." 

ACT III. 

SCENE I— On the high seas. The broken rudder. Consulting the charts. 
"To Canary Islands we must sail." Tableau— "Sunrise at sea." "I will the 
music make; dance merrily and make us think we are in Spain" 

ACT IV. 

SCENE 1— The calm at sea. Pliilip encourages Colombo. The dissatisfied 
crew. Panorama — The peak of Teneritle in eruption " 'Tis unto dangers such 
as this that this Colombo leads us." The compact with the king. Tableau — 
"The sailor's dream of Spain." 

ACT V. 

SCENE I— The deviation of the compass The disconcerted pilots. The 

mutinous crew. "I, on this vessel will be master." Signs of land. The Dis- 
covery. "Gloria in Excelsis Deo " 

SCENE II— The landing. "In the name of the Spains, and by authority of 

our gracious sovereigns, I do take possession of this laud and call its name San 

Salvador. Here on this lovely isle Spain's new domain we will establish. The 
true religion here will o'er these heathen spread its gentle sway." 



TMP92-003780 



Persons Represented. 



CHRISTOFO COLOMBO, Admiral of the Castilian Sovereigns. 

Joam II, King of Portugal. 

Juan Perez de Marchena, Superior of the Franciscau Convent, La Rabida. 

Martin Alonzo Pinzon, a noted mariner and captain of the caravel, "Pinta." 

Ferdinand, King of Spain. 

Isabella, Queen of Spain. 

Ruiz I 

- Pilots of the Admiral's ships. 
Roldan j 

Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza, Grand Cardinal of Spain. 

Leon de Garcia, a peasant girl. 

Philip de Castaneda, a young man in love and fond of the sea. 

Cazadilla, Risliop of Ceuta. 

Dom Pedro de Meneses, Count of Villa Real. 

Rodrigo ] 

r Cosmographers. 
Joseph j 

Pedro Gutierez, a gentleman of the King's bed chamber. 

Rodrigo Sanchez, a sailor. 

Rui Garcia, a sailor. 

Louis de St. Angel, receiver of the ecclesiastical revenues of Arragon. 

Alonzo de Quintanilla, comptroller of the finances of Castile. 

Dona Beatrix de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya. 

Dona Mercedes, -i ward of the Marchioness. 

Don Lorenzo de Bobadilla, a nephew of the Marchioness 

Sailors, Cavaliers, Pages, Courtguards, Indians, Court-ladies and gentlemen, 
Peasants, etc. 



[copyrighted.] 

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, 



-or, 



The Discovery of America. ^ cT 

AN HISTORICAL DRAMA, IN jBi^VE^if^ACTS^ 
( WITH PROLOGUE ) 

P R O L O (t U E . 



SCENE I — Court chamber in the summer residence o/king joam ii, of Portu- 
gal^ at Ramalhao. Appropriate furnishings King seated on throne c; table r. 
c, around ivhich is gathered a junto of nautical and scientific men, comioosed of 
RODERiGO and Joseph cosmogreqjhers; doji pedro de meneses, Count of Villa 
Real, and deigo oritz de cazadilla, Bishop of Ccuta, and ivho is a'so the 
King^ s confessor. The junto, having about concluded the consideration of the 
request o/ christofo Colombo /or PortugaVs aid in prosecuting his proposed 
voyage of discovery, are ready to report to the King. As the curtain rises they 
are seen examining a chart which lies on the table in front of them. All are 
seated with the exception o/caza-DILLA, ivho turns and addresses the King. 

Cazadilla, Bishop of Ceuta — (Addressing the King) Most Gracious 
Majesty, thy servants whom thou did'st appoint to divine tlie probability of the 
existence of lands as yet unknown, have done thy bidding and are ready with 
deductions of the theory of ColuniDo, who seeks they royal aid and approbation 
in a voyage of discovery. 

The King— And what then are thy deductions? Proceed with their sub- 
mission. 

Cazadilla. — Most Gracious Majesty, with earnestness, and with due dilli- 
gence that behooves the prosecution and accomplishment of all thy wishes and 
commands, thy servants have investigated the^heory of land to the Westward, 
advanced by Columbo, the chartmaker, and Its untenableness. apparent from 
the beginning, only suffered with the progress, examination and discussion. 
Patient research and the solicitude thy subjects feel in Portugal's advancement, 
and the acquirement of new and undiscovered domains, have been manifest in 
our labors, and no scientific or nautical knowledge possessed by us has been 
spared in the examination of a theory, which is empty, and but the product 
of a visionary brain. The idea is but from the predictions of Seneca, 
Aristotle, Pliny, and athers of the olden time, and the attempt to render certain 
that which is conjectural, and practical that which is problematical, is an un- 
dertaking against which we commend the withholding of thy royal patronage. 
Such, Gracious Majesty, do we opine with high appreciation of thy favor and 



6 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

the honor with which our labors have beset us. So far at variance am I with 
these efforts at discovery that much would it please me were even further pros- 
ecution of our African discoveries abandoned. Such enterprises tend to dis- 
tract attention, drain resources and divide the power of the nation, already too 
much weakened by recent war and pestilence. While the Kingdom's forces 
are scattered abroad on remote and unprofitable expeditious, the country is ex- 
posed to attack from our active enemy, the King of Castile. The greatest 
monarchs do not arise so much from wide extent of domain as from the wis- 
dom and ability with which they conduct affairs of state. In our realm it 
would be madness to launch into enterprises without first considering them in 
connection with our mt^aus. The King, hath in hand already suflicient under- 
takings of certain advantage without beginning others of a wild, chimerical 
nature. If he wishes employment for the active valor of the nation, the war 
in which he is engaged aga'ust the Moors of Barbary is sutflcient wherein his 
triumphs will be of solid advantage, tending to cripple and enfeeble those 
neighboring foes who have proved themselves so dangerous when posessed of 
power. 

D )N Pbdro —Pardon, Gracious Mijesty, but I do dissent from these conclu- 
sions of the Holy Father and others of the junto. Portugal is not now in its 
infancy nor are its princes yet so steeped in poverty as to lack the means to en- 
gage in new discoveries. Even granting that those proposed by Colombo are 
conjectural, why should we abandon those which were commenced by our late 
Prince Henry on such solid foundation and prosecuted with such happy pros- 
pects? Crowns enrich themselves by commerce, fortify themselves by alliance 
and acquire empires by conquest. The views of the nation cannot always be 
the same; they extend with its opulence and prosperity Portugal is at peace 
with all tbe princes of Europe. It has nothing to fear from engaging in an ex- 
tensive enterprise. It would be the greatest glory for Portugese valor, to pene- 
trate into the secrets and th«^ horrors of the ocean sea, so formidable to the 
other nations of the world. Thus occupied, it would escape the idleness engen- 
dered in a long interval of peace— idleness, that source of vice, that silent file, 
which, little by little, w<^ars away the strength and valor of a nation. It is an 
effront to the Portugese name to menace it with imaginary perils, when it has 
proved itself so 'ntrepid in encountering those which were most certain and 
tremendous. Great souls are formed for great enterprises! I wonder much 
that a prelate, so religious as the Bishop of Ceuta, should oppose the undertak- 
log, the ultimate object of which is to augment the Catholic faith and spread it 
from pole to pole, reflecting glory on the Portugese nation and yielding empire 
and lasting fame to its princes. 

The King— Thou dost then believe, with Colombo in the existence of 
another world beyond the seas, and in the possibility of discovery of a western 
way to India? 

Don Pedro — Yea, Your Majesty, even unto the assurance that if not made 
manifest within the peiiod of thy reigning, daring and ambitious navigators of 
the future era, will seek and find rich domains to the westward. For many 
years and arduously have I soui<ht to reconcile the speculations that the hab- 
itable world is encompassed about by uneding waters — that the Mighty Ruler of 
the Universe is cont*^nt with the creations of which we know, and that His 
glory has been f-atisfied by these Consider, Most Gracious Majesty, the results 
which might accrue from achievements so grand as the discovery of another 
world — new lands, new climes, greater commerce and profiting and pleasant in- 
tercourse with mankind of another race Consider, too, the glory of beloved 
Portugal in the accomplishment of so grand an undertaking, and hearken unto 
the pleading of Colombo. Forget not the Azores, and Madeira, and the acci- 
dent of their acquii'emeut; and, if these discoveries have been the result of 
chance or accident rather than of design, remember what might come of con- 
templation and a well-planned voyage. 

The King — Most loyal subjects, regretful indeed am I, that a theory so appar- 
ently filled with promise for Portugal's welfare and glory should prove to you 
imprai'ticable. With much impress did I, however, hear the words of the 
Count of Villa Real, and vith him agree that our African enterprises shall be 
vigorously continued. Of <.'olombo's theories, I will yet consider, and I bid 
thee give him direction to wait with patience until such time as final answer 
shall be given him. {U.rif Junto, with the exception of the Bisliop of Cueta.) 

The Bishop. — Gracious Majesty, observing that thou still dost manifest an 
inclination to Colombo's theory, further conference with thee I do implore. 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 



The King— And what wouldst thou Holv Father, 

The Bishop— Further consideration sayst thou that thoult give unto plans 
of this Colombo? 

The King — Aye, Father; the project one of import is. So heavily upon me . 
doth it weigh that loath am I to cast it off without due meditation. 

The Bishop— Thinkest thou that well it would be the dignity of the crown 
to commit by formal negotiations concerning that which might a mere chimera 
prove? 

The King — I have but said that of Colombo's theories I will yet consider. 
When this much hath been disposed of, and not until that time, the matter of 
the King's compact with him, may claim attention. 

The Bishop — Aye, then, now that Colombo hath been given word to bide 
his time for final answer, why may not some strategy solve the theory and sec- 
ure without negotiation all of its advantages? 

The Kinc^ — Advantages— without negotiation? In riddles, Holy Father, 
dost thou seem to talk. Speak the thoughts that in thy mind do rest. 

The Bishop — Then listen gracious King. Why may he not in suspense be 
kept while a vessel of thine own be secretly dispatched by the course he may 
point out and thus find whether there be reason for the theory. 

The King — Thou makest bold Holy Father to suggest a strategem which 
thou knowest is inconsistent with the King's ideas ot justice. 

The Bishop — Nay, nay my King, the ocean sea is free to man to rove as 
God's own air is free to him to breathe. Thuu hast at thy command the 
means its mysteries to fathom. Colombo hath a theory without thy ships. 
Thou hath the ships— thou hath his theory. To use them in conjunction would 
be for Portugal's glory and renown. 

The King— Thinkest thou the end doth warrant means like unto these. 
Wrong and most utijust doth such a plain appear. 

The Bishop — 'Tis his misfortune that no ships nor means are his. Must 
Portugal on this account waive chance of finding other worlds and art thou 
blind to why I sought to cause the junto adverse views to give? Deep have I 
into all his theories delved and proof convincing found I in them. Mark well 
my words, no fool is this Colombo and thoult live to find it out. 

The King— No tongue can say thou art not plain of speech. And thou canst 
to keep counsel with thyself? 

The Bishop— All secrets that concern the crown are safe with me. In the 
confessional full oft have I been tested and none can say unfaithful I have been 
unto the trust. 

The King — Then with thee into secret compact will I enter, and confess that 
thoughts like thine already filled my mind. Require, therefore, that Colombo 
doth furnish thee with all his charts and detailed plans of the voyage he pro- 
poses, and all his documents according to which he intends to shape his course. 
These being procured, dispatch a caravel, ostensibly with provisions for the 
Cape Verde islands, but with private instructions to pursue the designated course. 
Go thou at once to Roderigo, the cosmographer, and bid him to the royal pres- 
ence come at this same hour to-morrow. And look ye to it that this conference 
be not known to others than to thee and me. [Exit Bishop. The King descends 
the throne.) Colombo reasoneth well. There must be other lands than these ! 
The glory of their discovery must be mine ! {Exit King) 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 



SCV'SH'E Jl—Mvterior of Francison convent in Andalusia, devotions are sup- 
posed to be in progress inside, monks are heard singing, ivith organ accompani- 
ment. As the services close, enter Colombo and his little son, Diego. 

Colombo. — 'Tis weary journeying so long with tender feet like thine, Diego. 
E'en r, inured to hardship and to toil, doth feel well worn from all those 
leagues we've walked. But keep thy courage yet a little while. It must be we 
are near our journey's end. 

Diego— 'Tis not so weary that I am, my father, but so hungry and athirst 
am I 

Colombo — A holy father towa^-d us wends his footsteps. Sit thee down here, 
while I seek speech with him, and eflfort make for thee refreshment to obtain. 

Enter Juan Perez de Marchena tvifh head bowed and apparently in deep medi- 
tation. As he is about to enter convent gate, his attention is attracted to Col- 
ombo, who speaks. 

Good morrow, holy father ! 

Marchena -Good morrow, friend ! The blessing of the saints upon thee 
rest. 

Colombo —And upon thee, father. Abidest thou within the convent here ? 

Marchena.— Of it I am prior, senor. Can I some service render thee? 

{Enter porter from convent) 

Colombo.— Not for myself, but for my child, Diego, thy hospitality I would 
entreat. A distance great we've come; hunger and thirst are added to his 
weariness. Bread for him and water would I ask. 

Marchena — [to porter) Pedro, bring hither refreshment for the child, 
(c.r/^por^e?-) Pleasure doth it give me to supply his needs. From what direc- 
tion camest thou? 

Colombo -From Cordova have we come, and toward Huelva do we travel, 
there to seek my kinsman, Pedro Correa. 

MARCHENA — Pedro Correa. Well-known is he to me, and by the common 
tongue he is credit given as one who knows the seas, and is a sailor of much 
daring. 

Colombo —The sam*^, and hence I seek, him for matters of his calling have 
put us on the way to Huelya. How far away yet doth it lie, good father? 

Marchena.— Palos de Moguer is but a league away. When there thou 
hast arrived another league by sail will land thee at the island of Huelva. (En- 
ter porter with rrfrrnhments and gives to Diego who sits upon the ground eating) 
Marchena (continuing) The nearness of the convent to the port hath given 
me some acquaintance With the people there, and, too, some knowledge of the 
seas. Thy kinsman much my interest hath awakened many times. I reason 
from thy speech that thou, too hast alikmg for the ocean sea. 

Colombo.— Aye, fatlier, long have I soujcht its mysteries to divine. It long 
hath b^en my tlieory, that laads to us unknown lie westward and their dis- 
covery may be made be sailing in that course. 

Marchena —Keenly dost thou now my interest sharpen, friend. More 
would I learn of thee and thy strange thoughts. Thy name? 

Colombo — 'Tis Christofo Colombo. 

Marchena. — Christofo Colombo ! I once did know an admiral of that name, 
who did good service in the southern wars Art thou the same? 

Colombo.— Not so. good frair, but the admiral whose name I bear was of my 
blood, and often have I sailed with him 

Marchena — What then art thy profession, senor? 

Colombo. — An humble chartmaker am I, seeking as best I can to do the will 
of God through precepts taught me by our Holy church. Study deep hath 
formed for me my theory of other lands, and with the knowledge that such 
lands exist there comes a thought that I alone must find them. I feel myself 
as standing in the hand of Heaven, chosen for the doing of its purposes pro- 
claimed in Holy Writ, to bring earth's ends together and unite all nations and 
all tongues beneath the banners on our blessed cross 

Marhena— Blessings upon thee rest ! Hast thou ne'er made a venture west- 
ward, senor? 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 



Colombo. — Nay. I have no ships nor seamen to command. The aid of 
Portugal I sought in vain and with our Spanish sovereigns all of my appeal 
hath been of no avail. In sorrow I am leaving spaiu to seek assistance at the 
court of France. 

Makchena. — Much interest doth thy speech awaken, senor. More would I 
see and know of thee. Thou, and thy child, aweary seem. Abide within 
until thou resteth; mayhap, I can of service be to thee. Regretful am I thou art 
leaving Spain for lack of favor with the crown. The queen's confessor once was 
I, and with her influence yet may have. It may please God through that, that 
I can service render unto thee. 

Colombo— I thank thee, Father! Though in haste am I, my journey to 
persue, 'twill pleasure give me to unfold to thee my plans, and reasons give 
thee for my faith in their fulfillment. Diego, come. {Exit all into the convent) 



SCENE III. — {Tropical garden, cottage with vines to right, overlooking Port 
of Palos. Leon, a girl, io seen in garden plucking flowers) 

Leon — Lovely flowers in such profusion as is seldom seen at this waning sea- 
son. So many colors, blending from rich hues to delicate tints of pink and 
cream, and even into leaves of snowy whiteness How beautiful they are, and 
{smiling in exstacy ets she plucks a rose) oh, this lovely bud ! 

{Seats herself and d7-op)s other flowers in her lap. Holds the bud in her hand 
andp)lucks away superfluous leaves. Enter Philip, unnoticed at B, rear) 

I will give it unto Philip when he comes again— Philip, so brave, so generous 
and so noble, and {toys with and arranges other flowers) in giving it to him — if 
he over comes again — I will do so in such spirit as though the perfume of each 
tender petal should be beladen vvith the fervent love my lips dare not acknowl- 
edge. What happiness came to me when last we met and he did speak his 
heart; but, try as I ruight I could not say I loved him then, and yet the poet 
says: 

' This bud of love, by Sammer's ripening breath, 

May prove a beaiiUous flower when next we meet." 

When next we meet ! Who knows? But if {Neglecting her floivers and 
dropjnng into deep reflection) if he should not come again ! So coldly were his 
protestations heard, so indifl^ereut did I appear, in such seeming unkindness did 
I permit our parting. Oh, if he should never come again ! 

Philip — ( Wiih mandolin hung about his shoulder) Leon, my love ! 

Leon — {She rises quickly and looking around sees him) Philip ! Oh, thou af- 
frighted me ! 

Philip— Affrighted thee, my love? I would not for this world, nor for that 
one which Colombo is ambitious to discover. 

Leon — But thou didst aflfright me, just this moment. I thought thee far away, 
and dreamt not thou couldst be so near. 

Philip— Well, loved one, 'twas but yesterday thou didst aftright me. By 
cold demeanor and the indifference thou didst fain, thou forced me unto the be- 
lief that thou couldst ne'er return my love. And sad was I; but, all was turned 
to joy, when, but a moment since, I played without intent, the role of one who 
stands beneath the eves and listened to thy words. {Leon dro2)s her heeid in 
embarrassment) 

Leon — 'Twas cruel of thee, Philip; and yet, now that thou my secret hath 
discovered, I'll none of it retract. 

VmiAV—i E mhraces Leon.) How happy thou hast made me. 

JjRO's— {Struggling away from him) There, there; thou must not serve me 
so. Be seated here. Thou spokest of one Colombo. Whom may he be? Pray 
tell me. Some new-made friend, I'll warrant; since thou sayst he hath discov- 
ery in his brain. 

Philip— Thou shouldst not so deride me, Leon. True it is that often-times 
I've sailed from Palos here, but ne'er yet have I an anchor weighed without the 
hope of finding in some hidden corner of the sea what I ne'er have found on 
laud — a fortune, that with my hand would I have oftered unto thee. 

Leon— Forgive me, Philip. I meant it not to wound thee; but thy well- 
known liking for the sea caused me to think him some congenial spirit. But, 
tell me pray who this Colombo is? 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS 



Philip— Hast thou ne'er heard of Christofo Colombo? He who at Rabida 
doth now abide and hopeth new worlds soon to find. 

Leon — Ne'er have I Philip. Thinketh he that other lands than these we 
know of do exist? 

Philip — Truly, such is his uncommon though*^, and more: he seeks to go in 
search of them. 

Leon — Perhaps the man may be unsound of mind — a poor misguided soul, 
deserving of our pity. 

PiLiP— Not so, Leon! This strange man's theories are not without founda- 
tion. With reason doth he say the ocean sea must have a western shore and 
that he hopes to find it. 

Leon — Where d'dst thou meet him, Philip. 

Philip — Why, at the convent Rabida, where the good frair, Juan Perez, and 
Martin Alonzo Pinzon, the navigator, and others show much interest in him^. 

Leon. — Whence came he to La Rabida. 

Philip. — Woman thou art, and wouldst know all there is to know. 
Listen: I will tell thee: By name the man is known as Christofo Colombo, a 
native of Genoa, Italy. For many years in Portugal he did reside and while 
there, wooed aui won the daughter of Barthlomeo Monis de Palestrello, an 
Italian cavalier, and who had b-eu a seaman of much note. Charts, journals, 
and the legends of the sea he had for many years obtained, which at his death 
his wife nave to Colombo to aid him in his work. Tuus he, his knowledge of 
the sea obtained, and soon became much noted for his skill. 

Leon — What then doth bring him here to Palos, Philip? 

Philip.— Not many years ago his good wife died, leaving one child, whose 
name they calUd Deigo. 'Twas shortly after thisdeep grief had fallen upon him, 
that Colombo's theories of other lauds were fully formed He sought the King 
of Portugal and asked for aid in earryin^ out his plans, but the King by unfair 
means came into knowledge of his course of sailing and%held Colombo in sus- 
pense, wbile he in secret sent a vessel on its way to fiud what truth there might 
be in his theory. But heaven, which gave this knowledge to Colombo protect- 
ed him from treachery of the King, whose emissaries, met by heavy winds, 
could not traverse the stormy waste of waters and without success returned. 

Leon. — Thou dost astound me, Philip. 

Philip. —And yet, 'tis all too true. Incensed by this duplicity of the King, 
Colombo left the court of Portugal and came to Spain, where before the King 
and Queen he plead again for help and was again denied. Then he turned 
toward France, and on his way, stopped at the Franciscan convent, Rabida, to 
ask refreshment for his son \Vhile lingering there the prior of the convent 
chanced to pass, and, impressioned with Colombo's lofty mein, sought speech 
with him. That converse won the friendship of the frair to whom Colombo 
all his theories unfolded His interest was great awakened, and when he 
found Colombo would abandon Spain and seek for favor at the court of 
France, he realized what thus the Spains would lose. He kept Colombo as his 
guest and won for him the interest of Martin Pinzon and his brothers. The 
frair hath gone to seek the Spanish sovereigns and ask of them another 
audience for the man. 

Leon— And is there hope that favor he may yet obtain? 

Philip— The frair hath been confessor to the queen and with much interest 
she listeneth to all his words. I know not what success the holy man may 
meet but if Colombo sail I, too, will go with him. 

Leon — ( Cot/Jij) How gallant and how daring art thou, Philip ! And wouldst 
thou leave— thy friends, and sail with frail craft into unknown seas? And 
{with concern) if thou shouldst be lost and not return? 

Philip — ( Teasing) Should I be lost how then could I return? But trust to 
for that. Should the ship go down, the nearest whale — 

Leon — Mighst swallow you — 

Philip — As one once swallowed Jonah. 

Leon— Oh, Philip. 

Philip — And thus I safe may come to land again. But enough of contempla- 
tion sad questioning and of possibilities like these. Thou knowest that I shall 



10 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

with Colombo share the thought that he will find new worlds. Omnipotent 
direction will attend his path. King Joam of his infidelity will one day deep 
repent, and all men will give honor to Colombo's name. 

Leon — Be not now so intense in thy concern, my Philip. I honor thee for 
thy admiration of Colombo; and, though I know him not, with thee I share it. 
Now let us think of matters less perplexing. Thou hast thy mandolin and thou 
knowest with what delight I listen to thy song. 

Philip — And I to thine. Thou wouldst not that I shouldst sing alone. Thy 
mandolin is there. {Points to Lcon^s mandolin ivhich has been left leaning on 
the door sill.) 

Leon — How gladly do I blend my song with thine. ( Takes up mandolin) 
Philip — And may its harmony a forcecast be of our united lives and loves for 
one another. [Mnsic of tlic Ibth Century — Portugese duett ^ ivith mandolin ac- 
companiment. Exit into Cottage or off) 



SCENE IV.— {Street in Citij of Cordovei. Enter Fernando de Talecvera, prior 
of the Convent of Prado eind confessor to Queen Isabella and Alonzo de Quintanil- 
la, comptroller of t/ie finances of Castile) 

Alonzo — It doth appear, good brother, as though this battling with the Moor 
will never end. In years 'tis now quite five, since Muley Aben Hassan made 
attack upon the fortress of Zahara and since that time the Christian arms have 
had no rest from war against the Moslem Kings. 

Fernando — Aye, father; true but God is good. 'Tis for his glory that this 
war is waged and in His mercy He must will when it shall cease. I, like our 
good archbishop and our gracious sovereigns, ne'er will feel that Christians have 
unto the faith been true while followers of the impostor of Mecca yet within a 
Christian land remain. 

Alonzo — Nay, nor I! And great and glorious is the way in which our sov- 
ereigns have prepared to open in Cordova here another year's campaign of this 
eventful war. 

Fernando — And each day bringeth with it the arrival of more arms and 
with them too some cavalier of note, escorted by his vassals and retainers. Tne 
court appear eth like a military camp. All in confusion of preparing for the 
onslaught, and every avenue is crowded by war-like cavaliers who have distinc- 
tion in this Moorish war attained. 

Alonzo — A time I tear most unpropitious for Colombo, e'en to submit his 
plans, much less appeal to make fi)r aid unto our sovereigns. 

Fernando — True, true, good brother ! But thou sayst thou dost fear the 
time is unpropitious Dost thou join aught of import with this man's visionary 
dreams? 

Alonzo — Since first came he to Cordova, my roof hath been his shelter and 
my meat and drink his nourishment. Much opportunity, therefore, had I to 
fathom both his heart and mind, and found in him a Christian true and earnest. 
Poor indeed is he, and few the doblas he receives for making maps. J fear also, 
thou dost not know him well. And yet thou wilt, as thou didst promise, sec- 
ure for him an audience with our sovereigns? 

Fernando— Aye, brother ! Already hath that matter been attended to 
and e'en now draweth nigh the hour when he shall know his fate. When first 
came he to Cordova, he brought with him a letter from oar brother Juan Perez 
de Marchena, beseeching that I, confessor to the ({ueen, should gain for him a 
hearing by our sovereigns. To grant my holy brother favor, I could not refuse 
and while 'tis many months Colombo hath awaited here his time and chance, 
the hour hath come when now his patience will receive reward. This day 
shall he appear before the king and queen. {Exit) 



SCENE V. — ( Court chamber of the Spemish sovereigns ed Crj7'dova. Ferdinand 
and Isabel ia on throne. Attendants, etc. 

PAC4E — Your Majesty, his holiness Grand Cardinal Pedro Gonzalez de 
Mendoza, an audience seeks. 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 11 

King Ferdinand— Acquaint him that the King awaits his coming. {Exit 
Page Enter Grand Cardinal) 

Cardinal, — {Saluting the king) Your Majesty ! (Saluting the Queen) Our 
Gracious Queen ! W ith unfeigned pleasure do I, with thy generous permit, ac- 
quaint thee that I have with my brother, Alonzo de Quintanilla, had with 
Christofo Colombo more communication, and am impressioned by his theory of 
other lands. Of thee I would beseech for him an audience that in detail Colona- 
bo may his thought make plain to thee and thus obtain thy favor. 

The King— Knowest thou not, holy father, that our time and means are all 
employed in conquest of our foes and that to heed the propositions of this man 
w^ould be most inexpedient? 

Cardinal— Aye, your majesty, well do I know the weightiness of problems 
which do now confront us; nor do I yet forget those undertakings, which as 
Christians, now devolve upon us. But much interest do I feel in this Colombo's 
theories of other lands and motives which impel their prosecution. 

Isabella — What thought hath he concerning other lands, good father, and 
what the motives of which thou hast spoken? 

Cardinal— The man doth feel himself an instrument of God to enlighten the 
benighted souls of men who dwell in lands which lieth to the westward 

Isabella — He thinketh then a race of men exist who knoweth not the bles- 
sings of the cross? 

Cardinal — Aye, gracious queen, and one of thy marked purity of heart and 
deep concern for souls of men, need but to hear his reasoning to share with him 
belief in such a theory. 

Isabella — Most surely can no evil come of hearing what this strange man 
hath to say. [to the king) If thy majesty no reason hath why he should be re- 
fused, may he not now be heard? 

Ferdinand— If such then be thy wish, the holy father's interession shall be 
granted. 

Cardinal— I thank your gracious majesties. I certain felt before I spoke, that 
thy kind hearts wouldst not refuse me. Without the palace they await thy 
summons. 

Ferdinand — ( To page) Admit unto the royal presence the holy father and 
his companion ! {Enter Juan^ Colombo and Diego and are hurriedly greeted by 
the cardinal, who turns to the sovereigns and says) 

Cardinal — These, Your Majesties, are they in whose behalf I spoke. 

Ferdinand— And this is the Colombo of whom so much is spoken; who 
thinkest he can find strange lands which are unknown to others Pray, who 
art thou that thou shouldst have such wisdom given thee to compass all the seas? 
What strange infatuation leadeth thee? Speak ! and, if thou canst, the reason 
give for thy presumptuous thoughts. 

C0L03IB0 — Sire, stripped of all but he whom life held dear, and with pro- 
founde-tt thought on why I still remained, when all I loved had gone, I turned 
my brain to sober themes and study. I thought of how in ancient times a 
prince of India had sent to Rome, and did entreat for doctors of our holy faith 
to instruct him in the same, and that his prayer had been refused. Since all 
those years no message more has come from them, and what has been their fate 
no man can tell. Perchance they all are lost; perchance a glorious kingdom 
may be theirs. Certain is it the blessed precepts of our holy faith are yet un- 
known to tbem. The way o'er land is rugged, long and wild, and many dang- 
ers must beset the ones who dare attempt to cross the mountains and the de- 
serts. By sea, an easier path may be discovered. I have considered patiently 
the charts, and with the utmost care have pondered all the dangers. Thou 
hast an ample fleet at thy command, and knowest the Spains would easy con- 
quest make in foreign ports. To thus obtain an access to the India lands would 
give thee greater domain and point these heathen to our blessed Cross. 

Ferdinand -Thou speakest with wisdom's words, and if what thou sayest 
be true, there's merit in thy undertaking. Proceed with the unfolding of thy 
thoughts. 

Colombo — I have with utmost care prepared a reckoning of the cost. First, 
must be three ships, well manned, with armament sufficient to secure for them 
protection. Then provisions for the crews to last three months or more. 



12 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

Abundant stufts for making over sails, and then such garments as befit the emis- 
saries of the Spains. When land is found and we are safe upon its shores, first 
will I plant the blessed Cross. Then in the name of you, my sovereigns, a quick 
possession I will take. All diligence will I use to make a friendly treaty, but if 
I fail in that, possession still will I secure for Spain. 

Ferdinand — Thou speakest with full confidence in thyself. If thou couldst 
execute as brave as thou canst talk, the way would clearer be before thee. 

Colombo — Aye, my King, but from conviction do I speak. There's that 
within me which assures me of success, can 1 but gain your favor and assist- 
ance. 

Isabella — What reasoning senor guideth thee to think the eartli is round 
and thou canst reach the east of lodia by sailing toward the west? 

Colombo — An influence greater and more powerful than any known to earth 
impels ray thought. Deep study have I given to geographic theories of an- 
cient men. Discoveries of the moderns and the science of the heavens have my 
devout attention also claimed. I oft have sailed the ocean seas and sought their 
mysteries to comprehend. From all these years of study and experience tis my 
belief the earth is round, not fiat. It is a globe which may be travelled round 
from east to west and men stand foot to foot when on opposing points. 

Ferdinand — How sayst thou, senor? 

Colombo — Thou wouldst ask, as many more hath done, why those who stand 
with feet to us fall not toward the sky. Thoust seen the feather from the soar- 
ing falcon's wing fall softly toward the earth? Why fluttered it not away to- 
ward the heavens? These are God's own mysteries, my King, and in his'time, 
will He to us reveal them. 

Ferdinand — Thou much dost entertain me, senor, with thy words. What 
more? 

Colombo— I have divided, in accord with Ptolemy, the earth's circumference 
from East to West At the equator each of fifteen degrees composed 
are hours twenty-four, which make degrees three hundred and sixty. 
I know by study and comparison of maps, that fifteen hours were known unto 
the ancients, extending from Canary Islands to Thinaj, in Asia — the breadth of 
the then known world. The Portugese advanced the western time one hour 
more when they discovered the Azores and Cape Verde islands; thus thou seest 
about eight hours or quite one-third circumference of the earth is yet unknown 
to us. 

Ferdinand.— Continue, senor, I listen with deep interest to thy words. 
Thinkest thou that thou canst add these remaining hours by sailing toward 
the west? And how? I bid thee tell me, 

Colombo — By sailing from the East to West, one must arrive in time at 
eastern regions of Asia, and may discover interveneiug lauds. Thou knowest 
'twas the thought of Aristotle, Seneica, Pliny and Strabo, that the ocean sea was 
of but moderate breadth and one might pass from Cadiz, westward to the Indies 
in short time It needs but one who hath the nerve and means where-with to 
aid him, this light task to accomplish. 'Tis little that I ask of thee, my sover- 
eigns. 'Tis great would be the glory should God's hand lead me in safety, as 
the bearer of the blessed cross to heathen on some shore unknown to us. 

Ferdinand — Thou causest me to ponder with serious thoughts, thy words. 

Isabella. — And, I, Senor, mucli confidence feel in thy plans. 

Ferdinand. — Aye, interest is awakened in thy dreams. And yet there's 
naught that I can do, thy enterprise to forward, till time to think liath been 
allowed. Thy proposition will I then refer to those most learned in the Spains. 
If in their minds thy theory find favor the means to prosecute thy plans, the 
crown may furnish. 

Colombo. — Much pleasure doth it give me, my king and queen, to have my 
theory find favor in thine eyes. Of all the confidence that thou in me reposeih, 
I'll worthy pi'ove myself. No idle dream my fancy claims, and heaven will 
grant to me fruition for my hopes. 

[curtain.] 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 13 

ACT I. 

SCENE I — {Entranee to Court of Lions. Enter Lorenzo, R. with guitar, 
plays and sings (as if serenading) '■'■La Poloma.'''' Mercedes conies from pcdace. 

Lorenzo.— I thought thy gentle heart wouldst not refuse to grant to me a 
moment of thy presence. 

Mercedes. Thou speakest true, Lorei zo. It was indeed my heart and not 
the dictates of my conscience that I listened to, when to mine ear the sweet 
notes of thy music by the evening breeze were borne. 

Lorenzo — Speak not of conscience, loved one. Hearts pure as thine are safe 
in their own innocence. Follow then the dictates of thine own, a'd conscience 
will small reason have to give thee pain. But what hast thou to tell me? How 
farest thou, and doth my aunt, the Lady Marchioness, with her disfavor yet 
regard me? 

Mercedes— Ah, Lorenzo ! Well dost thou know thy aunt with no disfavor 
doth regard thee. Her every thought is but for thee and thy well being. 

Lorenzo— So doth she say to me, and yet, she will refuse to listen when I ask 
of her thy hand. Much laud and gold have I; no youth in Spain can boast a 
prouder name and yet, because, forsooth, I sometimes wend my way to other 
lands and sail the ocean sea, she will naught of her favor grant to me. 

Mercedes — Ah, Lorenzo, well thou kuowest thy aunt, and others too, look 
on thee as a rover. Thou knowest too, that since my mother died and left me 
to her care, a more than mother she hath been to me. The love she hath for 
thee and me, and what she deemeth duty to the dead, doth make her careful 
unto morbidness. But, dear one, since thy roving nature hath for thee won her 
displeasure, what if through that thou shouldst gain her favor yet? 

Lorenzo — Through roving more, gain favor of my aunt, thy guardian? Thou 
speakest in riddles, Mercedes ! 

Mercedes— And yet not so much as it seemeth. Thou knowest Christofo 
Colombo? 

Lorenzo — Aye, and with him share his hope of finding other lands But 
what of tbis? 

Mercedes — That thou shouldst sail with him and help him these new lands 
to find. 

Lorenzo— And leave thee, Merced-^s ! Wouldst thou deprive me even of 
sight of thee? My aunt, herself, would not so cruel be ! 

Mercedes— Nay, Lorenzo, I am not cruel unto thee, but to myself. New 
scenes, new interests, new excitement will make the hours all pleasant pass for 
thee, while I, in loneliness, will wait thy coming. But if the sacrifice be great 
that we must make, e'en greater happiness will thy safe return succeed. E'en 
shouldst thou fail new lands to find, the effort would thy earnestness and cour- 
age prove. 

Lorenzo— Fo- give me, Mercedes, wisdom lies in all thou sayest. Thy rea- 
soning's good, and I will with Colombo sail. 

. Mercedes — ' Tis well, Lorenzo, but careful be that none may think 'twas my 
sugge-ition thou dost follow. As if 'twere thine own thought it so must seem. 

Lorenzo — As always, thou art right, my Mercedes, and on the early morn I 
will avow my mind to join my fortunes with Colombo's. 

ME^ CEDE-5 — Thy aunt, the morrow spendeth with with the Queen, as so do 
I. I now must leave Lorenzo, but on the morrow with them I will meet thee 
in the palace. The hours grows late and now farewell. 

Lorenzo — Farewell, loved one, until the morrow comes. Go, dream sweet 
dreams and wake to find them true. {Mercedes enters house, while Lorenzo 
icatches her and when she disa^ppears from view, Exit Lorenzo picking guitar.) 



SCENE II. — {Street scene in Santa Fe, showing the plain of Oranada and the 
Alhambra in the distance. Enter Juan Perez de Marchena and St. Angel L. 

St. Angel — Thou dost astound me, father; thou sayst the king and queen 
hath to Colombo now refused their favor? 



14 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

Marchena — Aye, senor, though it gives me pain to speak the word, their 
majesties have to the Salamaaean council listened, and from Colombo will their 
aid withold. 

St. Angel,— And yet, 'tis said that justice under Spanish skies is ruler. For 
seven years hath this Colombo waited, hopiut;, and not without encouragement, 
to sail the unknown seas beneath the Spanish standard. And yet, because, for- 
sooth, some men, whose minds can better grasp the books that other men have 
written than compass the handiwork of the Infinite One, have th ught no lands 
beyond the sea doth lie, Spain's sovereigns will refuse the means to add now 
worlds to their domain. Is't naught that thou canst yet do. Holy Father, to 
change their royal will? 

Marchena — In all these seven years thou speakest of, senor, no eftort have I 
spared to win the royal for this enterprise. Believing, as I do, new lands will 
be discovered, and that our holy faith is yet unknown to its inhabitants, many's 
the time I've said it to our king and queen, till now I fear they would no longer 
listen. And then the time is short. At early dawn to-morrow Colombo will 
depart to seek the court of France and in his'behalf endeavor the interest of the 
king to waken. 

St. Angel — Colombo seek the Court of France and France reap all the 
honor of discovery of other lauds? Nay, nay ! It must not be. Come 
with me, Father. To the king and queen we'll go, and our best efforts make to 
save this glory to the Spaius. Alonzo de Quintanilla we will ask to come with 
us and add his influence to our cause. At dawn to-morrow doth Colombo think 
to leave? E'er dawn a means we must devise to keep him here. [Exit) 



SCENE III — {Ajyarfmcnfs of the Queen, in the Alhambra. Arch doorway 
showing cqKirtinents of the King ivho ts seen at table ivriting) Queen and Mar- 
chiness are seated sewing. Time, morning.) 

Isabella — Surely 'tis pleasant, daughter Marchioness, now the war is ended 
with the Moors, to sit with thee again in quietness. To drive these heathen 
from our land and plant the cross upon their mosques was great achievement, 
and none do I regret my portion in the act; but even a queen is yet a woman, 
and gladly turns from war and public strife to the sweet comforts of a home. 

Marchioness— TI ou speakest true, my Queen, and yet it seemeth strange* 
e'en unto me, who kn^weth thee so well, that thou shouldst keep thy woman's 
heart midst all the cares and terrors that in recent years have compasstd thee. 
To see thee in the Kingdom's councils, or making ready for the war, one scarce 
could think of thee in such house-wifely tasks engaged as now thy fingers oc- 
cupy. And strange indeed it seemeth that thy little hands can, with a pen, 
write deeds to half the Kingdom; then with such skill can fashion with thy 
needle for his majesty. King Ferdinand, a shirt. 

Isabella — Aye, Marchioness, the God above, who hath created me a queen, 
and laid upon me charge of the afliiirs of state, that self-same God hath also 
made me wife and mother, and given me heart to love such tasks as fall to wives 
and mothers to discharge. Affairs of state my thought and strict attention often 
claim; but when my duty to my subject's done, then to my Ferdinand I such 
reverence can give as doth become a queen to give her king — a wife to give her 
lord. {Enter Mercedes a ward of the Marchioness) 

Mercedes — Your majesty, good morrow, and my dear god-mother here ! I 
trust thy converse I do not disturb. 

Isabella — Not so indeed, my child ! Thy presence is most gladly welcomed 
The jasmine flower, that bloometh near the palace at Cordova, could not be 
freshex", sweeter in its loveliness, than thou art in thy youth and innocence. The 
morning air hath brought fresh roses to thy cheeks. Hast thou a walk been 
taking? 

Mercedes— Aye, your Majesty and with Lorenzo, who desireth speech with 
thee, in reference to Christofo Colombo. He even now, thy pleasure doih 
await. 
ICABELLA — Then, bid him enter now. {Exit Mercedes L Enter page R) 
Page — Your Majesty, Senor Luisde St. Angel, Fray Juan Perez de Marchena 
and Senor Alonzo de Quintanilla await without, and audience with thee en- 
treat. 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 15 

Isabella— Aud at this early hour? Surely some mission of great import 
must be theirs ! Admit th^m now unto the royal presence. {Exit Page, Mar- 
chioness cle Moya rises as if she would leave the room) 

Nay, daughter Marchioness, remain with me. These gentlemen no tidings 

bear that iu thy presence may not be delivered. {Enter Lorenzo and Mercedes) 

IjO'RB'SZO— (Bowing to the queen a7id Marchioness) Your Majesty, and thou, 

the Lady Maichiouess, to both of thee, good morrow ! Thy gracious pardon, I 

entreat that at this early hour I thus thy royal presence seek. 

Isabella. — 'Tis true too early, senor, but, since others wait without, whom 
even now a page couducteth to our presence, if thou hast aught of private im- 
port, speak thy now thought without delay. 

Lorenzo— Your Majesty, I did but come to volunteer my services in aid of 
Chrijitofu Colombo, when 'neath the Spanish standard he maketh sail for these 
new lauds he hopps tu find Could I serve him your Majesty aud Spain, 'twere 
a delitrhr the hardships of the lengthy voyage to bear. 

Isabella — Hist th )u not heard, sea >r, that this Oolomb) will not sail as he 
pr )p )sed? The King could make n<) terms with him, such as it would behoove 
the crown to entertain, aud all negotiations now are at an end 

Lorenzo— Colombo will not sail ! The favor of the crown refused to him ! 
{Enter page with St. Angel, Perez and Quintanilla — Lorenzo turns to Mercedes 
and they two converse in low tone, the three gentlemen just entering, bow to Queen 
and to Marchioness) 

St. Angel— Your Majesty, it seemeth strange to thus intrude upon thy time 
at this unseemly hour, but urgent matters didst impel our coming. 

Isabella — In neither of thee senors, nor in thee. Holy Father, doth I see 
one wont to be a beggar for him^^elf; neither do I know aught that's needed for 
the crown Thou comest in the interest of another? 

St. Angel, — Nay, yuur Majesiy ! 'Tis not iu interest of ourselves, nor yet 
another that we c )me to thee, but thine own good and Spain's are boons we 
strive to gain. Kn^west thou that Christofo Colombo, he who so long hath 
sought the royal favor to aid him in the finding of new worlds, art quitting 
Spain to seek the Court of France? 

IsAB LLA— Nay, senor ! True, I knew it not but still the knowledge now no 
wonder causeth me. The Archbishop of Granada and the learned men of 
Salamanca, iu whose hands the King did place the matter for decision, have 
found Colombo's terms most arrogant. Why, this chartmaker talks as though 
new worlds already he had found, and for their proper government he must 
fors-ooth be viceroy appointed. And, not content with thi^, he asks the title 
be perpetually vested iu his descendants, and then demands an eighth of all the 
gold and other articles of value he may find. Senor, he treats as th'>u^h a King 
he W'^re already; and yet, he gets his breal by making charts ! 

St. Angel — Your Majesty, all can not be created Kmgs and Queens, and 
royal souls are not confined to palaces It was into the nostrils of a gardener 
that He first breathed the breath of life, and made a living soul; and to this 
chartmaker, it may be. He hath given knowledge of the seas that e'en from the 
Salamancau couucil is witheld. Certain it is, my Queen, that I was with him 
in the council and for all objections that they uri^ed, a ready answer quick he 
gave aud with his wisdom and his faith did sorely puzzle all the learned doc- 
tors; aud I make hold to say, but for their jealous fears and bigotry, their cordi- 
al approbation would be given to his plans. Hadst thou been with them then, 
my Queen, thou wouldst not be surprised that like a king, Colombo wouldst 
negotiate with the crown. To hear him speak and all his reasons give why he 
can find new lands, thuudst almost think already he had found them. 

Isabella — Thou speakest with enthusiasm, senor, and causeth me to ponder 
all thy words. Dost thou then so great faith have in this Genoese? Thinkest 
thou he really will new lands discover? 

St. Angel — Even so your Majesty ! So great a confidence have I in all he 
says, t^^at 'tis for this I asked this audience with thee; that thou wouldst save 
the glory of his great discoveries 'or Spain. Colombo now is ready to depart 
for France. E'en now he may be on his way. Bid him remain in Spain and 
so for thee and for thy country grasp the great good which Providence hath of- 
fered thee. 



16 CHRISTOPHEK COLUMBUS. 

Isabella — Seuor, a faithful friend thou hast ever been to Spain and to the 
cruwn, and words like these from thy lips serious consideration doth deserve. 
Await me here, and with the King I will confer upon thy words. ( Goes back 
to where Ferdinand is writing at table, but has been listening to the conversation. 
iSt Angel converses with Marchioness, Lorenzo, Mercedes, and others) Pardon, 
your Majesty, this interruption, but Senor St Angel's words do much impress 
me. And then, this Christofo Colombo, too: some reason must exist why he 
shouldst so steadfast cliug to hopes that seem to be so vain ! Small interest 
have I taken in the man before, and have, with others, thought a visionary he 
might be; but when a man like this St. Angel doth espouse his cause, the treas- 
urer of the kingdom, and of a mind most practical; I fear too much we may 
have left for others to decide in matters of such import to the Hpains. What 
thinkest thou? 

Ferdinand -The truth to tell, my Isabella, ^ince this Colombo hath been 
loitering at the court, my time .'«ud mind have been most fully occupied with 
state attairs and Moorish wars Merit there may be in his undertaking but 
Ferdinand hath neither time his purposes to study, nor gold to prosecute his 
plans. And even did I know new lands he'd find, the gold's not in my king- 
dom's coffers to supply the means 

ISABETiLA — I knowest thou canst ill afford to spare the gold for such an un- 
dertakiug The kingdom needs it all: and yet, the while St Angel this Colom- 
bo's cause was pleading, I thought if thou didst give me thy consent, I might a 
way prepare, his plans to give perfection. My jewels — 

Ferdinand — Thy jewels ! And pray, how canst thy jewels help perfect his 
plans? 

Isabella — I thought — I beg thy pardon for presuming so to say — I thought 
they might be sold or pledged and so assist. 

Ferdinand— Thy jewels sold? And how would Isabella seem without her 
jewels? Woman, thou art foolish and, did I love thee less, I could with angry 
words give vent to my displeasure. Why, were thy jewels sold, what honor 
would there be paid to Isabella? 

Isabella — Your Majesty, were honor bestowed upon your Isabella accord- 
ing to these baubles that she wears; then were she better to be spared from such 
an honor A woman's honor is such tribute as is given to her gentleness, her 
goodness and her virtue. Thiukest thou thine Isabella's honor is but from 
adornment? 

Fkrdinand— No, no ! and yet a queen unjeweled is unknown. 'Tis due thy 
subjects thou shouldst be appropriately adorned. 

Isabella — 'Tis due my subjects that I should the means provide that will 
for them new realms discover. A (jueen unjewelled is no less a queen; the wife 
of Ferdinand no homage e'er will lack. 'Tis not the jewels in the crown of the 
united Spaius I'll give, but those of provinces Castile and Leon; those were ad- 
ded l)y our marriage to the Spaius and now one crown for our united kingdom 
will suffice. 

Ferdinand— Canst there no limit be to thine unselfis-hness and to thy wom- 
anly contrivance? Thou speakest with earnestness, and since such seemeth to 
be thy wish, I could not say thee nay. Arrange then as thou chooseth. The 
king and all his subjects can with safety trust the wisdom of a queen like thee. 
{Queen comes down front, while Ferdinand resumes writing) 

Isabella— Senor St. Angel, to one acquainted as thou art with the condition 
of the royal treasury, 'tis needless to explain that at this juncture, Spain could 
ill atlord an enterprise like this to undertake; but I, the Queen, for my own 
crowns of Castile and Leon will do so, and will my jewels pledge to raise the 
necessai'y funds 

St. Angel — Well, hast thou chosen, my Queen, and much thy people will 
have cause to bless this day Upon thy jewels as a pledge, I the gold will fur- 
uisn for the voyage; but thou the jewels still in thy possession shalt retain. The 
word of Isabella for their safety wouldst for many times their value still secure 
them. But we must haste to And Colombo and with this joyal news acquaint 
him. 

Lorenzo — My horse awaits without, all ready for his rider. A quick and 
willing messenger I'll to Colombo be with thy good pleasure. {Biz Exit 
Lorenzo. ) 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 17 



Marchioness— Strange what events may happen in a little while. An hour 
ago the Queen and T alone sat sewing, glad enough that from disturbing ques- 
tions we were free, and now with anxious hearts we wait the coming of Colom- 
bo and full of interest his plans discuss. 

St Angel— Ah, Lady Marchioness, and well do they deserve our interest. 
Think what his success would be to Spain, what glory and what riches would 
be hers ! The Portugese have many islands of the sea discovered and why 
shouldst not Spain still more valuable possessions gain? Colombo kuoweth 
much about the seas. Far out from sight of land he oft hath sailed and he 
will yet find greater lands than any now discovered. 

Isabella — I tervent hope it may be so, for shouldst he fail to do so, ridicule 
upon the Spains will come that the queen hath entertained such dreams. 

St Angel— Fear not, my Queen ! Colombo will great glory bring, not rid- 
icule, to Spain. {Enter Page and announces) 

Page— Senors Lorenzo de Bobodilla and Christofo Colombo. [Enter Lorenzo 
and Colombo. Exit page) 

Co'LOM'BO — {Saluting) Your Majesty, senoros and senors, Senor de Bobodilla 
telleth me thou wouldst have speech with me. 

Isabella- Aye, Senor Christofo Colombo, the crown hath to thy plans still 
more consideratron given. King Ferdinand hath all his mind upon affairs at 
home that his attention ueedeth. I have thought it possible that I the means 
may have to aid the enterprise. Be not in haste to leave. Wait yet until the 
matter may have further thought. 

Colombo — Your Majesty, for seven years I've waited at the Court of Spain; 
for seven years the royal favor I've iaiplored; for seven years there's naught oc- 
curred to help sustain my courage while I waited on my sovereigns' good pleas- 
ure Your Majesty can blame me not if after all these years of inactivity, I care 
no further time to lose on possibilities. To France I then must hasten with all 
diligence, if naught be to detain me here but possibilities 

ISABELLA— 'Tis truly as thou sayest, senor, but thy conditions seem so ar- 
rogant. Canst not thou in some respect make them more light? 

Colombo— Not so, my Qupen ! These lands I will discover are kingdoms in 
themselves, and when I or them take possession, thoult find conditions I have 
made are none too hard. I'll read them now, if such shalt be thy wish, that 
thou mayst judge them for thyself, and not the Salamancan council. 

Isabella— Proceed then, if thou wilt, senor Serious consideration shalt be 
given to all thy words. {Colombo reads his manifesto, daring reading, the king 
comes down stage ) 

Colombo— First, then. Most Gracious Queen, thy servant, Christofo Colombo, 
Shalt for himself, and heirs forever hold the office of High Admiral in all the 
seas and lands and continents he may disover, with honors too and powers like 
to those enjoyed by the High Admiral of Castile. Second: That of these lands 
he shall be viceroy and governor, and for each province shall have power to choose 
three governors, among whom one shalt by your Majesties be chosen. Third: 
Of all free profits from the products and the traffic of these lands, a tenth part to 
Colombo shalt be given. Fourth: In all dispurted questions that between 
these new lands and the Span sh Kingdom shouldst in time arise, Colombo 
or those acting in his place shalt be sole judge and arbitor. Fifth: That to 
this enterprise and those in future times that will be undertook Colombo shall 
contribute of all costs an eighth and in return an eighth of all the profits he 
shall claim. These, yourMajesty, are the conditions I would make. Thinkest 
thou they are too ari'ogant? 

Isabella— 'Tis true, senor, that they seem scarce appropriate, but still I'll 
sien them, with the King, and trust to thee and Heaven for their fulfillment. 
( Turns to Ferdinand) Your Majesty, wilt thou first place thy signature? Senor, 
St. Angel then shall witness be. 

Ferdinand- Since thou alone doth with thy jewels all the means to under- 
take the enterprise provide, shouldst thou not also alone the honor bear? 

Isabella— Not so, your Majesty The queen shouldst follow only where the 
king wouldst lead. The means, it happeneth, that I can furnish, the enterprise 
our united effort doth demand; and, if it pleaseth thee, thy name place here. 



18 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

(Ferdinand signs — Isabella signs — St. Angel signs— King hands ^x^j^er to Col- 
ombo.) 

Ferdinand — 'Tis doue ! May Heaven's blessing on the voyage rest ! And 
thou, Colombo, hire such men and ships as thou mayest need. Procure all 
needed help in thy eudf^avors and atxiuaint us with thy progress. Take thou, 
thyself, command of my best ship — Santa Maria, is it called — and may the bles- 
sed saint whose name it bears, protect iu its shelter. 

[curtain.] 

ACT II. 

8r"ENE I.— ( Tinie 23d of 3Iaij 1492, church of St. George in Palos in front of 
ivhich the Alcalde, the regidors and many inhabitants are gathered Enter Col- 
ombo, Juan Perez and a notarij public who assend the porch of the church. The 
notary reads ! 

Notary — Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye ! under authority of our sovereigns and 
over the royal seal it 18 hereby commanded, the port of Pal )S for misdemanar 
having been condemned by the royal council to serve the crown for one year 
with two armed caravels, that the authorities of Palos do have two vessels 
ready for sea within ten days after this notice, and place them and their crews 
at the disposal of Christofo Colombo. The crews of these vess-ls are to receive 
the ordinary wages of seamen and shall be paid four months iu advance, and 
they shall sail in such direction as Colombo, under royal authority, shall com- 
mand, and are to obey him iu all things, with merely one stipulation, that 
neither he nor they are to toucii at St. George la Miua, on the coast of Guinea, 
nor any of the lately discovered possessions of Portugal. No duties are to be 
exacted for articles furnishtd the vessels and all crimina' processes against the 
person or property of individuals engaged iu the expedition shall be suspended 
during their absence and for two months after their return. Hear ye, hear ye, 
hear ye, and abide the will of the crown. ( Crowd begins to disjM-rse) 

Citizen— What means this edict strange? Can it be the king is mad? 

Citizen — Dost he think that any ere again would back to Palos come who on 
this voyage sailed? Why certain death 'twould be and none of us will go! 

Citizen— No, not one of us. What say ye friends? 

Chorus— Not o»^e. 

Citizen Colombo is foolish. He will get no ships nor sailors here in 
Palos to go with him on his perilous cruise. No vessel yet hath ventured far 
from land, and none that doeth so will ere return. 

2nd Sailor — Who is this man, Colombo, who would this hazard take? I like 
one of his daring spirit. 

1st Sailor — Who is he? Why a mad adventurer — an Italian dreamer who, 
by smooth tongue hath duped our sovereigns into sanction of his dangerous folly. 
Come, let us away! no notice will we take of Ferdinand's behest [Exit R) 



SCENE II. — [TJie Port of Palos, with shipping in background is shoved up in 
front of foregoing scene.) Enter sailors, villagers, etc. 

Sailor — Ah well, good friends, my soul is filled with joy at the good turn 
Colombo's fortune's taken. His life's dream, is about to reach fulfillment? The 
years of pre^ervance and most patient waiting are now about to gain their just 
reward. Two vessels ordered iu to the expedition by the crown have been se- 
cured, and the third one needed to complete the fleet is offered by the 
tradesmen who dost own it — Martin Alonzo Piuzon and his brother, Vicinte 
Yauez 

Another Sailor — Ha, ha ! with what solemnity thou talkest of Colombo 
and these preparations. And thou hast consented to accompany him on his 
perilous sail. 

Sailor — Aye, aye, my lad, I go with him on his voyage of discovery. (The 
crowd laughs, ^^ha, ha, ha .'^' and one sc(ys:) And what if thou shouldest not 
discover the way back to thy home? (The crowd laughs, '■''ha, ha, ha ."") 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 19 



Another Sailor— S-^rae token thou hadst better leave that we may show 
our children's children, when we tell them of our foolish friend who floated out 
to sea and could not float again to land. 

Sailor— Ah well, make merry ray lads, as ye like, but Colombo's mission is 
most noble and I will sail the ocean sea with him. Enter F/iiliji, hurriedly) 

Philip— Good enough brave made, and I go with thee. But shadows gather 
now, so come with me. Let's bid farewell to all our ^riends? The armament 
is complete and the squadron sails at the dawn of the morrow. {Exit All) 
The scene rolls back and discloses a tableau, ''The Departure'' in ivhich the three 
caravels in ivhich Columbus and his men sail, are seen to start on the voyage from 
the port of Palos. Villagers are gathered on the shore leaving adieux, and the 
sailors on the departtng ships are heard singing.) 

[curtain.] 

ACT III. 

SCENE 1.— {Deck of the flag-ship SaMa Maria, in charge of Admiral Chris- 
fofo Colombo. Scene— At sea. Curtain rises shoiving several seamen on deck em- 
jiloying themselves in various ways. Colombo is seen near deck railing on star- 
board side of ship, looking in direction of his coynpanion ships ) 

Colombo— 'Tis many leagues we've sailed from Spa'n, and wind and wave 
are in our favor Our gracious sovereiiius have the fleet and seamen furnished 
me to aid my undertakinur. What joy is mine, that after years of hope too often 
changed to deep despair I now the means possess new worlds to find. All goes 
well. And yet, with all that is within my grasp, full dilig'i'nce must I still dis- 
play, lest by Misfortune's hand I disappointment yet may meet Already there 
are muttetings among my crew. Some few there grateful be, but others as we 
further sail from Soaiu do much complain and say the voyage is toolish, that 
dangers over-shadow it, and death will claim us all before new worlds be found. 
'Tis useless with a discontent to reason. Some other means must I contrive 
their loyalty and interest to arouse ( Colombo's soliloquy is interrupted by a re- 
jwrt of a canon fired on board the Pinta as a signal of distress. Colo^nbo, ivho 
during his soliloquy, has left the deck railing and been ivalking to and fro on the 
deck, appears startled by report, and turns quickly and looks anxiously in direc- 
tion of the Pinta ) And are my contemplations such as these so soon to cloud 
with realism the firmament of bliss beneath which we but yesterday set sail. 
( Turns to sailors, others having rushed on deck, and a scene of excitement being 
evident From the Pinta comes the sound of a cannon shot. An answer is quick- 
ly returned ana signals given to ascertain its meaning A cannon is fired and a 
sailor signals with a flag.) 

A Sailor— The Pinta waves a signal of distress, Lord Admiral. I take it that 
some accident has happened t > her rudder as she signals us to shorten sail. 

Colombo— So then; and when the Pinta within reasonable distance comes 
let the small boats, w*^ll manned, approach and ascertain the cause of her dis- 
tress. [Exit sailors, Colombo looks toward the Pinta) Uncertain sailing indi- 
cates too true a rudder unhung and useles**; here, to'), in open sea without 
the means of making needed mending {thoughtfully) Can it be that this is 
treachery's work? Gomez R^scon and Christoval Quintera think but ill of my 
endeavor. Thrice did they refuse their ship, the Pinta, and but yielded her at 
Ferdinand's command. Perchance they think to render her disabled would be 
to get her back to Spain, and them with her, since folly it would prove to sail 
into the unknown sea with rudder broke. Were these two all, I'd little fear, 
but there are many more unwilling sailors, who, some from love of gain, some 
from ambition, many at the king's behest, have come with us. Many not so 
far before have been from home and friends. Loved ones they've left, and at 
the eventide their thoughts revert to Spain. I blame them not, but must new 
effort make their interest to awaken in the voyage. Perchance when Spain 
waters we have passed, and land we've left seems far as that before, they may 
be more content. {Enter Sailor) 



20 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

Sailor — By thy direction, Admiral, sailors have gone on board the Pinta. 
The cause of her distress lies in a broken rudder. Her good commander, Piuzon, 
gives full assurance, if we but shorten sail that she may keep well up with us. 
The rudder may be so secured as will avail until a port is made amid Canary 
Islands whither we may sail. 

Colombo— Pinzon hath done most excellently well and to Canary Islands we 
will sail. Summon the pilots, Ruiz and Roldau, to my presence. Bid them 
bring their chart. We will our reckoning take and make all haste to find a port. 
(JExit sailor) Their charts and mine di differ We'll them compare and find 
the more expedient way. {Enter pilots ivitli charts) The Pinta hath its rudder 
broken. To Canary islands we must sail that it may be restored. This chart 
doth show the islands in the course, we now pursue. What sayest thou ccm- 
cerning it? ( Comparing charts) 

Bold AN— Lord Admiral, in reckoning of our charts, more eastward does it 
seem that the Canaries lie. The vessel's course needs to be changed that we 
may reach them. 

Colombo— Still, let us this direction yet pursue. If, in short time, the land 
we do not see, then will I thy couQcil take. 'Tis growing late; this course pur- 
sue until the morrow. (Exit pilots Stage darkened) Night comes again, and 
darkness covers all ! Another day is spent, and leagues are now between us 
and our homes. God's blessings rest upon us all, protecting us in His eternal 
love. (Exit. A bell signaling the night watc/i sounds. Enter sailor) 

Sailor — Ahoy! ship ahoy ! {Sailor behind scenes answers '■'■ahoy'''' others in 
otJier directions answer ^^ahoi//^ Enter other sailors) 

1st. Sailor— Aye mates ! The quarter bell hath rung. 'Tis now our time to 
take the watch of the night. 

2nd. Sailor — Aye, aye ! True be it; but what care we for watching through 
a night of such delight, on calm, moon-lit seas as these, and that, too, after a 
day of refreshing sleep filled with dreams of the homes and loved ones we are 
leaving far behind us But hark, lads ! {Singing is heard behind the scenes. 
They answer the song, singing one verse. Sailors on hoard the Pinta answer, 
singing one verse of a good night song, during which sailors on stage lie doivri to 
to rest. As sound of the semg on the P'mta elies away every th'tng hecomes quiet 
and scene grou's darker, the object being to convey the idea that the night is 2^cis- 
sing ) 

Tableau — '■'■ Sunrise at Sea. ^^ The scene is brightened so as to give the effect 
of the dawning of the day and the sun appears to rise against the horizon out of 
the midst of the water. The effect may be. easily and most beautifully produced 
nnth a stereopticon In the tneantime the sailors have become astir, and 
when the "s«n" is almost above the water'' s edge, a sailor in the watchoutis heard 
to exclaim ) 

Sailor — Ahoy, land ahead ! ( Confusion and a scene of excitement follows. 
The sailors on deck shade their eyes with right hand and ax>pear to be looking 
ahead, one joyfully exclaims:) 

SAiiiOR— Ahoy, land ahead ! The Canary Islands come into view ! {Exit. 
The scene brightens into broad daylight and a panorama to give the effect of sail- 
ing cdong the coast of the islanel begins to move and the cliffs and mountcdns soon 
shut out the sun. Enter Colombo, Roldan and Philip) 

Colombo — So it is that once again the land appears, and here the Pinta a new 
rudder quickly can secure. Thou seest I gave thee right direction how to steer 
the ship. 

Roldan— Thou didst and in thy calculations was most wise. 'Tis well thou 
didst thy judgment follow; truer hath it proved than ours 

Colombo— Here will we cast anchor and seek what other aid we can secure. 
Prepare a boat that I may reach the shore. Alonzo, Pedro, Diego, come with 
nae. Thou, Philip, wilt command the ship while I'm away. {Exit Colombo 
and the three) 



CHKISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 21 

Philip — The Admiral is gone; the ship at anchor waits. Come, mates, let's 
have a dance to while the hour Gomez, Pietro, dance for us. I will the music 
make Dance merrily and mnke us think we are in Spain. {iS'ailors daneeancl 
sing while Philip plays mandolin) 

[curtain ] 

ACT IV. 

SCFNE I.— (On board the flag shij), Santa Maria, at sea. as the curtain 
rises Colombo is seen standing apart from a few sailors, who are busying them- 
selves about the deck) 

Colombo— 'Tis now three dnys since we set sail from Goinera. Calm most 
profound hath kept our vassels loittring with flagging sails within short distance 
of the land; nnr yet have we sailed past Canary Islands. (Looking seaward 
ivith glass) Far away e'en at this moment the peak of Teneritfe comes into 
view. {Enter Philip) 

Philip— Fair day. Lord Admiral ! Thou dost appear refreshed from last 
night's rest I hope thou feelest so. 

Colombo -I thank thee, Philip. Much refreshed I feel, but anxiety doth 
prey upon me in this calm. How still the wav s, and not a breath of wind to 
fill our sails Since we were told at Ferro some Portugese ships were on our 
track, to seize our vessels and imprison us, I fear this calm. Should we o'ertak- 
en be, small quarter wouldst be shown to us since they are jealous of this ettort 
in behalf of Spain, and months ago their treachery have proved 

Philip— That's t^ue enough, but if no wind doth fill our sails, doth not this 
calm extend also to theirs? Courage then take thee. Admiral, for when they 
sail toward us, that self-same wind will take us from their power. And then 
the glorious sun, that now is creeping into view, may bring fresh winds within 
its wake. 

Colombo— I thank thee, Philip Thou hast shown to me how vain were my 
imagmings. But, hark, what are these sounds I hear, of fear and danger 'mong 
my crew? {Several sailors appearing to be frightened, rush onboard, Panorama 
begins to move. Sailors group themselves about, and converse with appearance 
of great fright. Panorama showing Teneriff in eruption) 

Sanchez— What awful thing is there; what land or sea or demon can it be? 

Garcia— 'Tis unto dangers such as this Colombo leadeth us 'Tis omen 
that we should return to Spain. I never liked this sailing into unknown seas 
and this but proves we should return unto our homes. 

Colombo— Peace, friends ! 'tis but a well-known thing you view. 'Tis Ten- 
eriffe and its volcano in eruption. 'Tis thus the land is saved from earthquake 
and great danger. All nature gives no grander sight. 'Tis true that seventeen 
hundred years ago, Vesuvius covered Pompeii, but all this lava in the sea doth 
fall and thus all harm is kept away. Still then thy fears and let thine eyes en- 
joy that which but seldom can be seen by men. The wind hath filled our sails, 
and soon we'll from these islands be away. 

Garcia— But, Admiral, we sail not in the way we wish. To Spain would 
we retrace our way. Ill omens hover o'er our path. First was the Pinta's rud- 
der broke, then new sails for the Nina were we forced to make; then since thou 
hast set sail again three days were we becalmed I like not this volcanic coun- 
try, and would to Spain return. 

Colombo — Thou dost forget thy promise to pursue this voyage. Thine oath 
is given, and shouldst thou be retu»'ned to Spain, thou wouldst have broke thy 
word. A compact have we made to keep our way and so it must be kept. 

Garcia — My oath 'tis true I gave; I, with my fellows here, but how? 
'Twas by the king's command, and not of my free will Who would expect to 
keep an oath that was compelled by force? 

Colombo — Still the voyage must be pursued. Thou dost remember, men, our 
compact with the king, and now I'll tell thee of the one he made with me. 
Strange lands, I know by study deep, lie unto the westward. These, when we 



22 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 



have reached them, must be won for Spain. The king and our most gracious 
queen have pledged their royal word that of these lauds and all the continents I 
may discover, I shall perpetual viceroy and governor be. In thnse new lands, 
toward which we sail, much riches doth exist. Rare gems and gold in quanti- 
ties. Most noble forests of the rarest woods are seen, and fruits and game are in 
abundance. When we this land have reached, and all these riches have secured, 
what joy, renown and power will be ours ! ThiuK not we yet can go to Spain. 
New lands, new climes, new riches and new honors lie before us. We'll th^m 
pursue, and when our children's children shall recount our deeds, they'll tind 
their greatest trea'-ure in our courage. Get thee now to thy various tasks and 
keep close watch for sight of laud. Thou, Philip needest rest, since from the 
midnight hour the watch thoust kept. Sleep and refresh thy soul. 

Philip— Thou speakest true Lord Admiral. Well worn with loi-s of sleep am 
I and rest will take, and yet in fear that I first sight of land may lose, with thy 
consent, here on the vt.ssel's deck I'll sleep — aye sleep and dream of Spain. 
{S'ifn doini. Colombo enfer>< poop of vesse/, and survci/s the sea. iSailors disj^ort 
fhrtiiKrlvcs about deck.) And yet, not so heavy are my lids. Some innermost 
feeling telleth me this sailing soon must end and land be reached My soul's 
possessed of wakefulness and sleep flees from me. But what matters it, since 
whether wake or sleeping I dream only of her in whose tender keeping my heart 
was left in Palos. But close at hand is the mandolin — the same whose notes 
she oft hath listened to. ( lakcn u/) mavdolw and strikrs chord. ) 'Twill help to 
pass the time away. ( Begins andplaifs a melody, the noten gradaalli/ growing softer 
until they finally cease eind Philiji/alls asleep with mandolin in his lap. Tetbleem. 
'■^ The sailor^ s dream of )\pain.'^ An opening in the scene discloses Leon, upon 
u'hom shines a bright light. Irninfdicdely upon beco)ning visible, she begins and 
si7igs an ^' Ave Maria.'''') 

[curtain.] 

ACT V. 

SCENE \— {Scene on deck of Santa Marici— Sailors in grouj^s. Colombo speaks 
in soliloquy) 

Colombo — Another day is passing and s<ill no land in sight! From day today 
my crew more restless and less satisfied do grow. Naught to be seen but barren 
wastes of waters, and yestere'en my compass to the North Star failed to point. 
Strange waters these; as still as lakes, and yet with wind above that doth 
our vessels (|uickly move along. But that I know my Father safely leads, my 
courage long ago had died. I still will hope and trU'^t. He who hath to this 
work appointed me, will surely lead me safely on. (Enter Buiz and Boldan) 

RoLDAN — Lord Admiral, a thing most strange and dreadful has occurred. 
The needle to the North Star fails to point, and in this trackless ocean sea we 
have no means to guide the ship. Woe, woe is ours. Away from Spain, hun- 
dreds of leagues, and naught to guide us home. 

Colombo — Friends, still thy fears. The needle's change, I noticed yestere'en. 
It portends naught of harm to us, but rather makes our certainty the stronger 
concerning these new lauds we seek. Tis rot the needle varie.s, but 'tis the 
star itself. As well thou kuowest, I long have watched the heaven^s, and m 
company with learned men, believe this world is round. All this stupendous 
system, earth, water, stars, around the North pole doth revolve, and this North 
Star doth make its revolutions with the rest. 'Tis not the needle nor the pole 
that's changed, its guidance still we'll follow until it leads us to the land we 
seek. 

RoLDAN — Thou speakest as if thou certainly didst know, but little doth it 
comfort us so far away from home. Yet thy direction still we'll follow, siuce 
naught else there is left for us to do. False guide can scarce more dangerous be 
than that we have no guide at all, but much I fear since this misfortune hath 
o'ertaken us. 

Ruiz— It is as my companion sayeth. No choice is left us now but still to fol- 
low and to hope. ( Ruiz and Boldan leave stage) 

Garcia. — ( Who has been listening comes forward and addresses Colombo) 



CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 23 



Lord Admiral, I hope thou art at last convinced of the unwisdom of this voyage 
we make. I said no good would come of it and I was right. Before we further 
drift away without a guide, thou shouldst the vessel's course change toward 
Spain. 

Sailors — Aye, aye, to Spain ! 

Garcia— Thou seest, Admiral, the temper of us a'l. To Spain we will 
return, and thou no further shalt delay. 

Sailor— To Sp^in ! To Spain ! 

Colombo— To Spain we'll not return until I so command. In Ferdinand's 
and Isabella's names, I, on this vessel will be master. Stand back ye all, get to 
your tasks. Ye men with women's hearts were better to have stayed in Spain 
and not have come upon a voyage like this; but since thoust come with me the 
way thou wilt pursue until the end. { Colombo goes to side of ship and looks 
anxiously over the ivater) 

Garcia — Colombo, surely must have lost his reason to still pursue a jour- 
ney like to this. I'll have no more of it for me, but will my utmost effort use 
to get these sailors to return to Spain. 

CoJ^OMBo— {Comes hurriedli/ near the front of the stage) Friends, Ibid thee 
take new courage 'Tis true no laud have I beheld, but in the air some birds 
toward our ship seem flying. As I looked over in the water, round our ship 
some fish I saw like those that play in Spainish waters near the shore. 'Tis 
in this latitude Cipango lies and land we soon shall see. Keep steady watch 
ahead and to this do I pledge my word: besides rewards and honors offered by 
our sovereigns to him who first the land discovers, a velvet doublet will I give 
him. {Birds are seen to light upon the rigging of the ship— seeing this the sailors 
cheer and rushing where they light, catch them in their hands and exhibit them to 
each other loith gestures and exclamations of delight) 

Colombo— Thou seest I did speak truly when I told thee of the birds. These 
birds are never seen a distance gr^at away from land. Let then thy courage be 
renewed. All indications point to quick fruition of our hopes. {Colombo as- 
ceiids poop of vessel) 

Garcia— Colombo speaketh with much confidence, but birds fly often 
far from land, and have done so this time. This foolish voyage appears to me 
will never end and weary am I of it. 

S'^iLOR — {Bringing branch of bush with berries on it from over the shipt's side) 
Dost see, compliiuer, what the waves have borne to me? These berries surely 
did not grow in ocean depths. The very smell of earth is on them. Colombo 
must be right, and laud we now shall see again. 

Garcia — Aye, and what if we do so? A stranger's land, by savage men 
inhabited ! Spai > is the land I wish to see; none other will content bring to 
my heart. But I'll to sleep; you that believe what this Colombo says, can watch 
keep with him for the laud and tired enough I'll warrant all of you will be be- 
fore its soil your feet will press. {Exit into vessel hold, other sailors disposing 
themselves in different petrts of ship, looking out for land ) 

Colombo — Su^h evidence of the vicinity of land as has this day been shown, 
doth fill my soul with strange emotions, which banish every thought of sleep 
this night. My soul is filled with tumult most intense. I feel as though at 
last, in spite of every danger that surrounds, my mission is about to be accom- 
plished; the great anti mighty mystery ot the ocean about to be revealed and 
that my theory, which has been the scoff of sages, will yet prove true. E'en at 
this moment as I peer out on the sea me-thinks a light I see gleam in the dis- 
tance, {shows excitement) Can it be so? Or does imagination mock my sight? 
Now, 'tis disappeared. {Looking anxiously ahead) Mayhap 'twas but the 
phosphorus on the water, caused by a dolphin in its sport. But no; 'tis there 
again. I can net now mistake. Pedro ! Pedro ! hither, quickly come ! 

Pedro — Aye, aye. Admiral ! What wouldst thou? 

Colombo — Pedro, beh<.ld ! {pointing ahead) Dost thou see in the distance 
far, a flickering light? Dost not thou see it move as though 'twere carried by 
the hand of man? Dost see ! 

Pedro — As sure as stars shine in the heavens, I see a light. It is land, land 
at last ! 



24 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

Colombo — Hist ! quiet be uutil we are more certain. Call hither Roderigo 
Sanchez. [Pedro rushes off ana returns in a moment with ,Sanchez) Sanchez, 
seest thou a light ahead? 

Sanchez— (XooAZ/^f/) Surely, Lord Admiral, I did, but now I see it not. 

Colombo — But still we three have seen it. It must be we are near to land 
and that upon it man doth dwell Order the men to take in sail and signal 
make the Piuta and the Nina to lay to until morning dawns. Bid all the sail- 
ors come on deck. ( Colombo descends from 'poop cinel comes forward, by which 
time the deck is filed with sailors. Addressing them) Friends, 'tis joyful news 
I have for you this night. Pedro, Sanchez and I have seen a light borne by the 
hand of man upon some land near by. Too close are we to further sail to-night, 
but early on the morrow, we will reach its shore. We can not now mistaken 
be, and at the morning's dawn, small boats w'ell enter and our voyage continue 
till we the men, who bore the flickering light, shall find. 'Tis time our even- 
ing prayer were said. In place of supplication on ibis eve, our thanks we'll give. 
A Gloria in Excelsis Deo it shall be. [All Sing As the singing progresses the 
stage is darkened gradually. Colombo decends into the hull of the vessel. By 
this titne a panorama to represent passing scenery begins to move: At the instant 
that the panorama begins to move the ship also begins to move slowly off the 
stage. As the ship disapp)ears heavy darkness should cover the stage, during ivhieh, 
scenes to represent the island of San Salvador {ocecin r, land, trees I ) should be 
shoved up . The lights are then turned on showing the new scenery and a num- 
ber of Indians, ivho appear by their attitudes and gestures to be lost in astonish- 
ment. Enter Colombo etnd convpanions in small bocds. Colombo advances from 
the water^s edge, and, bending trjwara the audience, kisses the earth. Rising 
immediately, lie grasps the Spanish standard and plants it in the soil, saying:) 

CoL<^MBO— In the name of the Spains, and by authority of our gracious sov- 
ereigns, I take possession of this land and call its name San Salvador. {2hen 
kneeling ejnickly, the sailors gnntping themselves in an attitude of jnriyer, he con- 
tinues)' Uur Father, we give thanks to Thee. Thou hast brought us safely to 
this laud. O'er trackless seas, Thou guidedst us, when e'en our nef-dle Did for- 
sake its star. Through dangers that beset. Thou didst protect us with Thy 
sheliering arm. Be Thou still our guide This laud we dedicate to Thee, and 
in the years to come, spread Thou the light of Thy religion o'er it. (Indieins 
are seen on all sides gazing in ameizement at the Spaniards. Colombo and Span- 
iards arise and look aboxd them seeming much surprised at the natives who draw 
nearer, tvith exclamations of wonder) 

GARcrA— Most worthy Admiral, I would thy pardon seek. I, and my 
companions here. Small faith had we that thou would.- 1 land discover. Wrong 
we own ourselves, and thy forgiveness earnestly doth wish. 

Sailor — Aye, aye, forgiveness we all ask ! 

COLOMBO— 'Twas granted, friends, before thou askedst it. Well didst I un- 
derstand thy fears, 'Twere almost more than human hadst thou blindly f(.lIow- 
ed me when all seemed to forsake us on our way. No more we'll think on 
what is past, but faithful in the future time we'll be unto our trust. Here on 
this lovely isle Spain's new domain we will establish. The true religion here 
will o'er these heathen spreaa its gentle sway. I now will seek, by signs, com- 
munication with these people strange, tw reach. But ere I seek now allies to 
obtain, new friends to win, and loyal subjects for Spain's sovereigns to secure, 
thou, Senor Piuzon and thy brother, Yanez, here, shouldst from my lips, learn 
of the gratitude that dwelleth in my heart, for all that those so faithfully for me, 
for Spain, and for thy conscience's sake hath done. Renew then friends thy 
courage all. The Father who hast guided us to haven like to this, will not 
forsake us now, but give us, rather, strength our duties to perform for Spain. 

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